Should I take this job/internship?
Ok so I know that previously I asked a question about unpaid internships. After reading many of your comments and some self reflection, I decided that I definitely wanted the experience. However, a lot of stuff has happened since I asked that question and now I am in a position where I literally have no choice but to turn down the offer against my will. So, I have 3 days in the week originally set aside for that internship that are now free. I have two options available to me to fill those days: one is working at the communications lab at my university, the other is doing office work at city hall. My family is pushing me to do the city hall job but I really don’t want to do it that much. So I will present my current predicament and hope that some of you can give me your own personal opinions as to whether the job is worth it or not.
The position at city hall is 9–5 Mondays and Wednesdays and the pay is $10 an hour. However, parking is not free and the minimum lot (if it isn’t filled) is $5 a day. I will have to also purchase new clothes as the dress code is full business attire. I have a couple pairs of slacks and nice blouses that I wear for interviews and whatnot, but I was told that I would need to wear suit jacket and skirt sets. I don’t own those types of clothes I guess because whenever I’ve been in a situation when I was doing work in my actual field, everyone dresses really casually. Aside from interviews, I don’t really have a reason to be in full suits. I will be filing, organizing, faxing, and related things. Essentially, office gruntwork/paperwork. I will be in a cubicle in the locked off city council “area” of city hall outside of a particular councilman’s office. From walking around, it seems like I would be very busy.
My grandfather (the one who is friends with the councilman) says it is a good opportunity because he thinks I will meet people that can help me in my career field (graphic design/animation). Looking at where I would be working, it doesn’t seem so but then again maybe I just don’t know anything. I’m just iffy about the whole thing because I don’t see how much it would benefit me. On the one hand, I could get a recommendation from an elected city official. But on the other hand, how much does a recommendation from a city official help me get into my particular career field? Maybe it will and I’m just missing something….My grandfather also says that people in government don’t work a lot and he doesn’t think I would be doing a bunch of stuff all day (though it looks like I would). He says he knows what he is talking about.
The other position that I would get if I do not work the city council job is at the front desk of the communications lab at my university. It’s pretty simple, I honestly don’t really do anything other than answer a few phone calls and tell people where to go. Since work would be slow, I could use that time to do artwork and build my portfolio up. Parking is free for me, no new wardrobe is required, and the pay is $8.50 and hour Mondays and Wednesdays
Part of the reason why I didn’t want to take classes this summer is because I wanted a break. Not just from school, but in general. I’m always so busy and therefore never have time to draw and build my portfolio. This summer was SUPPOSED to be used for doing the internship to build my resume and having some free time to draw or just relax for a change. Now that the internship situation has fallen through, I have to find other things to do…....I’m just not sure what to do anymore and it’s like I have to make a decision immediately.
Should I still take the city hall job instead of the communications lab job?
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
Just take the one you want: it sounds like you want the job on campus.
Overall, it sounds like you don’t want to work too hard (I am not saying that as a criticism) and the university job sounds like you will be more comfortable and it wil be less hassle. You are trying to please everyone else too much, I can hear the struggle in your words of how your family influences you. I think it is good to listen to their opinions, but in the end, when you make a decision, let it be yours, and don’t worry about pleasing them, please yourself.
I would not rely on some stereotype about politicians not working much for how much work you will be expected to do.
Also, don’t let buying the clothes deter you, because you will need some interview and work clothes soon anyway. I know you said you have some. The typical rule in conservative offices is skirt doesn’t need a jacket, slacks do. You can check the detail of that if you decide to take that job. Maybe you can just buy two skirts and you’re set. And, don’t let a couple bucks an hour difference influence this choice.
Unless money is the absolute bottom line, I vote for the city hall job. It will give you experience in a more professional/strict working environment as well as potentially give you political connections in town; it will also expand your skill set and work experience and possibly give you the chance to impress people there with your design skills. Who knows, someone there might want to hire you for a project. My mom got hired in a permanent position in city hall after working there as a temporary office grunt, after the people around her recognized her skills. People are often more willing to hire folks that they already know, and if you are lively and a hard worker, you are likely to impress the (most likely older and not very tech-savvy) people by whom you will be surrounded.
It sounds like the front desk job would not be challenging for you, would not build your skill set, and would not help you network.
If you’re concerned about your career, I wouldn’t recommend picking jobs based on which one gives you more free time. You will only be working Mondays and Wednesdays, which means that you will still have plenty of free time to work on your design portfolio, right?
You’ll be making more money at the city hall job but, if money isn’t an issue, take the school job. I don’t see how you’d meet any graphic designers at city hall, and it’s certainly not related to your field of choice. I’d take the job I actually wanted to do. On your Tuesdays off, see if you can volunteer at a company that has an art department – advertising? You won’t get paid, but it would be nice to put some relavent experience on your résumé. Working a 9–5 job doesn’t sound like a relaxing summer, so don’t do it if you don’t have to.
And, I’m sorry, but a suit jacket and skirt? What is this, 1955? You can’t wear slacks instead? That’s just stupid. As if all women feel comfortable in a skirt.
I don’t have tuesdays or thursdays off. Please don’t misunderstand, I forgot to mention this before but I already have another job that I work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The reason I wanted the most free time at work was to draw/design to add to my portfolio. The job on campus has free time in which I’m allowed to use however I wish
After reading this it seems to me that you seem to want to stay in your comfort zone. My advice is to consider the City Hall job very seriously, not necessarily for the work, but for the exposure and connections you’d make. In today’s employment environment that’s vital.
You may not meet graphic designers directly, but the people you meet and work may be “connected” and that means networking opportunities. Investing in your wardrobe is inevitable, and you can do it smartly without breaking the bank. Look at it this way, it’s 2 days a week for 10 weeks. Expand your wardrobe by two outfits, rotate your interview clothes, and you have 4 outfits to use over 20 work days. No big deal.
This is a summer job, don’t over think it. It sounds to me as if you need a break from the University, this is an opportunity to take it. It will make you appreciate your studies even more when school starts again in the fall. Whatever you decide, good luck.
Choose the one that will best advance your opportunities for what you hope to do in the future.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
